fragrance of the perfume. Judas Iscariot the disciple who was to betray Jesus remarked, “This perfume could have been sold for three hundred silver
coins, and the money given to the poor.” Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief, and as he held the common
purse, he used to help himself to the funds. But Jesus spoke up, “Leave her alone. Was she not keeping it for the day of my burial?
(The poor you always have with you, but you will not always have me.)” Many Jews heard that Jesus was there and they came, not only because of Jesus,
but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests thought about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the
Jews were drifting away because of him, and believing in Jesus.
Reflection:
Love could push us to extravagance. We dare not count the cost because
love is worthy of such price. That is why Mary did not hesitate to use a costly
perfume to show her love for Jesus. She does not mind the loss. This irked
the stinginess and avarice of Judas Iscariot. Using holy platitudes, he rebuked such
grand display of love. He was not concerned of the waste. He was salivating at
the monetary equivalent of such perfume if it was offered to the group and
he disposes of it in the market. Thus we use holy reasons sometimes to
justify our base intentions. It is not God or the poor, or the obedience to the law
that we are concerned. It is about self-love coated in pious platitudes.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021